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Main Calmac ferry to Lewis out of action after issue with ramp

News imageGetty Images Loch Seaforth ferry. It is on the water with a hill behind it. The ferry is mainly white at the top with blue underneath. It has a red and black funnel and its name and Caledonian MacBrayne written in white on the sideGetty Images
Engineers are working on an issue with a ramp on the MV Loch Seaforth

The main Calmac ferry to Lewis has broken down, with services cancelled for the rest of the day.

MV Loch Seaforth, which sails between Ullapool and Stornoway, has a problem with the ramp at its bow. Engineers are carrying out repairs.

Problems across the Calmac network caused by breakdowns and maintenance demands have eased in recent days.

However, passengers are being warned of possible disruption across 15 out of 30 west coast routes.

The MV Loch Seaforth, which cost £42m to build, made its first passenger sailing 11 years ago.

It has capacity for 700 passengers, 143 cars or 20 commercial vehicles.

It was named after a mail boat that sailed between Lewis and the Scottish mainland from the 1940s until the 1970s.

Which CalMac vessels are currently unavailable?

MAJOR VESSELS

  • Loch Seaforth - technical issue with ramp
  • MV Lord of the Isles - Unable to sail due to issue with starboard main engine "holding down" arrangement and has been relocated to the Clyde for repairs.
  • MV Isle of Arran - CalMac has struggled to source a second replacement coupling for the bow thruster due to the vessel's age and "unique components". New parts may have to be manufactured.
  • MV Isle of Lewis - Major steelwork corrosion identified during annual maintenance and not expected to return until the end of May.
  • MV Hebrides - Remains in planned annual overhaul and is scheduled to return to service on 18 April.

SMALL VESSELS

  • MV Loch Tarbert - Unplanned technical issue
  • MV Loch Bhrusda - Due back on Wednesday after being sent toMallaig for repairs following issue with forward main engine
  • MV Loch Portain - Planned annual overhaul and not due to return until 12 May.
  • MV Loch Frisa - Sea trials following annual overhaul. Expected to be back in service on Wednesday.